Whenever I am out shopping, during the Holidays, I get inspired by all of the pretty bobbles and trinkets. I stare endlessly at all of the sparkle. So much so that I find it difficult to stay focused. I love to decorate with lime green, bright red, pinks, and purples, but I also love the muted creams, golds, and silver. So, before you start shopping or hanging ornaments, I believe, first and foremost, you have to have a plan! Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautiful and cohesive look for the Holidays:

Choose Your Color Scheme

1. Before heading to the store, go through your Holiday decorations that you have used in Season’s past. You don’t always have to do the same thing, but see what you might be able to reuse before going shopping.

2. Decide on a color scheme - and stick to it! It is so easy to get distracted by all of the beautiful, shimmering ornaments, but be strong! If you remain focused on your
design plan, you will end up saving money – and you will have an easier time pulling it all together.

3. Purchase inexpensive boxes of ball ornaments, in your chosen color(s). You can place these on accent tables or fireplace mantels, but also on your Holiday table. Set them around your table’s centerpiece or on the plates, in the wine glasses, and in vases. You can even hang them from ribbon on the

Ball ornaments can be used in many ways

back of your dining chairs or from an overhead candelabra or chandelier. The options are truly endless!

4. Use nature! Pinecones by themselves can add a lot of rustic charm for the Holidays. Decorate them with some silver or gold glitter and you have just upgraded from rustic charm to rustic glam! Also, fresh, green pine branches look great down the center of the table - and they make the house smell wonderful!

Use Fresh Red Flowers and Berries for a pop of red

5. Fresh flowers are always a pleasant treat on the Holiday table! Red roses, trimmed short, in small vases add elegance to any table. Add some greenery and perhaps some red berries. You don’t have to be a professional florist to work this one out! Anyone can do it and it doesn’t cost a lot of money! Remember to Just Say No to fake arrangements!

6. Ribbon!!! Buy a large spool of ribbon and use it everywhere! Ribbon is a wonderful way to spice up that dinner table. You can run it down the middle, tie it around napkins, or use it as a placemat under your china. You can also tie it around your dining chairs and tie a bow on the back.

7. Everyone, at some point in their life, must purchase all white china (or white with gold or silver trim). These are classic and elegant and can be used for other formal occasions as well. Try to stay away from the kitschy Holiday plates.

8. Candles are a wonderful way to add sparkle to your evening. Place them everywhere! Small glass votive holders are very inexpensive. You can group them for more impact or set them down the center of a long table. For a classic, traditional look, use gold,

Take advantage of all of the beautiful Ribbon out there

red, or cream colored tapers in the center of the table.

9. You get to determine where your guests sit! Use fun and festive place card holders. This actually makes it easier for your guests, especially if you have multiple tables set up. It also adds a nice touch to the overall look of your table.

10. Place a small gift on each plate. This is a great way for you to thank your guests for coming – and it adds a festive touch to the table. These gifts do not have to be elaborate, but should be thoughtful. Appropriate gifts would include a small candle, personalized notepad, or ornament. They can all be the same or you can change it
up to fit each guests’ personality.

We, here, at Casual Elements wish all of you a wonderful, safe, and happy Holiday Season!

One of the best moments about celebrating the holidays is gathering with friends and family around the table for dinner. Holiday meals are special because they are often one of the few times everyone is home and together again. Efforts should be made to make those precious events feel special by creating a warm and welcoming dining room. Of course choosing the right dining table is crucial. There are as many styles of dining tables on the market as there are decorating tastes and budgets, from luxurious dining tables to humble kitchen tables.